Vitality has released data suggesting that its life insurance programme can support members in extending their life expectancy by up to five years.
The findings are based on a seven-year study of 465,000 Vitality members, peer-reviewed by the London School of Economics (LSE).
The research showed that individuals who transitioned from an inactive lifestyle to regular physical activity could reduce their mortality by up to 57%. This increase in activity is equivalent to extending life expectancy by five years.
The most significant gains were observed among those engaging in activity five days a week, such as running or walking 10,000 steps.
Even smaller increases in physical activity had measurable effects, Vitality noted. Members who became active one or two days per week saw an average life expectancy increase of over two years.
The study also highlighted that these benefits were achievable for adults up to the age of 70, demonstrating the potential for improving health outcomes later in life.
The data highlighted the role of physical activity in improving life expectancy for men and women at different ages. Men aged 30 who engaged in high levels of physical activity could add 6.3 years to their lives, compared to 2.8 years for those with lower activity levels.
At age 50, the difference was 6.1 years for high activity versus 2.7 years for low activity, and at age 70, it was 5.2 years compared to 2.1 years.
For women, high levels of activity at age 30 were linked to a life expectancy increase of 5.9 years, compared to 2.6 years for low activity. At age 50, high activity added 5.8 years compared to 2.5 years for lower levels, and at age 70, the increases were 5 years and 2 years, respectively.
Vitality noted that the study underscores the role of life insurance programmes in promoting healthier behaviours. By incentivising members through its Vitality Programme, the company encourages regular physical activity and the formation of long-term healthy habits.
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Vitality’s managing director, Justin Taurog (pictured above), emphasised the broader implications of the findings.
“Living a healthier life comes with a multitude of benefits, and this study shows it will not only help you live better today, but support you to live for many more years too, up to five more in fact,” he said.
He added that the findings reflect a shift in the insurance industry’s role, moving from solely providing claims support to actively shaping members’ health and wellbeing.
“Insurance is no longer one dimensional; only there for when you need to claim. This study effectively highlights the impact we have been able to have, and the role we are playing in shaping the health and wellbeing for our members throughout their lives.”
Taurog also called for a change in the broader approach to health, focusing on prevention rather than treatment. He said that Vitality is committed to developing its programme further by incorporating advancements in science and behavioural change modelling to create better outcomes for members.
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